Wine tourism in Argentina and Chile is an incredible way to explore the unique landscapes, rich cultures, and exceptional wines of the Southern Cone. Both countries offer scenic wine regions, world-class vineyards, and authentic experiences, making them top destinations for wine lovers. Here’s a detailed itinerary for a 12-day wine tour covering the best wine regions in both Argentina and Chile.

Day 1: Arrival in Mendoza, Argentina

Arrive in Mendoza: Fly into Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous wine region, and one of the world’s leading producers of Malbec.

Check-in: Stay at a boutique vineyard hotel or a wine-themed luxury resort.

Afternoon: First Tasting: Start your wine journey with a visit to Bodega Catena Zapata, one of the most iconic wineries in Mendoza. Take a tour of their impressive facilities and taste some of their renowned wines, particularly their Malbecs.

Dinner: Enjoy a typical Argentine parrillada (barbecue) at a local restaurant, paired with a Mendoza Malbec.

Day 2: Wine Tasting in the Uco Valley

Morning: Uco Valley: Head to the Uco Valley, about 1.5 hours south of Mendoza. This region is known for its high-altitude vineyards (900 to 1,500 meters) and cool climate, producing exceptional Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Visit Bodega Salentein, one of the largest wineries in the region, and take a guided tour through their stunning vineyards.

Enjoy a tasting paired with a gourmet lunch at the winery’s restaurant, which features local, seasonal ingredients.

Afternoon: Visit Clos de los Siete: Another must-see in Uco Valley is Clos de los Siete, a group of renowned wineries producing fine Bordeaux-style blends. Explore the vineyards and enjoy a tasting of their prestigious wines.

Evening: Return to Mendoza city for a relaxing dinner at Azafrán, one of Mendoza’s finest restaurants, offering a wide selection of local wines.

Day 3: Wine Tasting in Maipú & Luján de Cuyo

Morning: Maipú & Luján de Cuyo: These are the two oldest wine regions in Mendoza and are home to many historic bodegas. Start with a visit to Bodega Trapiche, one of Argentina’s largest and most recognized producers.

Explore the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy a tasting session.

Lunch at Bodega Ruca Malén: Head to Ruca Malén, a picturesque winery with a restaurant overlooking the vineyards. Enjoy a gourmet lunch paired with their signature wines.

Afternoon: Visit Bodega Luigi Bosca: In Luján de Cuyo, stop at Bodega Luigi Bosca for a tour and tasting of their iconic Malbec, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Evening: End the day with dinner at La Bourgogne, the restaurant of Cavas de Crianza, offering delicious Argentine dishes paired with an extensive wine list.

Day 4: Mendoza – Santiago, Chile

Morning: Take a flight or scenic drive (6-7 hours) across the Andes to Santiago, Chile’s capital.

Afternoon: Explore Santiago: Arrive in Santiago and explore the city. Visit Barrio Lastarria, a bohemian neighborhood with great wine bars, and enjoy a glass of Carmenère, the signature red grape of Chile.

Dinner: Dine at Bocanariz, a renowned wine bar and restaurant in Santiago, offering a wide range of Chilean wines paired with delicious dishes.

Day 5: Casablanca Valley Wine Tour

Morning: Casablanca Valley: Take a 1-hour drive to Casablanca Valley, one of Chile’s premier wine-growing regions, known for its cool climate and excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Start with a visit to Viña Casa del Bosque, where you can taste their premium wines and enjoy a scenic lunch at the winery.

Afternoon: Visit Viña Emiliana: Head to Viña Emiliana, one of the largest organic and biodynamic wineries in Chile. Enjoy a wine tour that highlights their sustainable farming practices, followed by a tasting of their top wines.

Evening: Return to Santiago for dinner and perhaps a visit to the Bodegas Re wine bar, which offers a fantastic selection of Chilean wines.

Day 6: Colchagua Valley Wine Tour

Morning: Travel to Colchagua Valley (2.5-3 hours): Known for its historic wineries and rich red wines, Colchagua Valley is one of Chile’s most famous wine regions. Start with a visit to Viña Montes, a prestigious winery offering stunning views and world-class wines, especially Syrah and Carmenère.

Lunch at Viña Viu Manent: Enjoy lunch at Viña Viu Manent, a beautiful winery offering an excellent range of wines. Their Reserva series is highly recommended.

Afternoon: Visit Viña Lapostolle: Take a tour of Viña Lapostolle, which produces high-quality wines, including the famous Cuvée Alexandre. Their architecturally stunning winery is worth the visit.

Evening: Stay overnight in a charming boutique hotel or winery, like Hotel Viña Santa Cruz in the heart of Colchagua Valley, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening with wine and gourmet dining.

Day 7: Explore More of Colchagua Valley

Morning: Visit Viña MontGras: Discover another gem of Colchagua Valley with a visit to Viña MontGras, one of the most prominent wineries in Chile. Enjoy a private wine tour and tasting session.

Afternoon: Wine Tasting & Local Art: Visit the Museo Colchagua, a wine museum that explains the history of winemaking in Chile and showcases antique winemaking tools. Then, enjoy a visit to Bodega Montes Alpha for a final tasting of the valley’s best wines.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in the valley, with a multi-course meal paired with Colchagua wines.

Day 8: Return to Santiago & Visit Maipo Valley

Morning: Return to Santiago.

Afternoon: Maipo Valley: The Maipo Valley is the closest wine region to Santiago and is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Visit Viña Concha y Toro, one of Chile’s largest and most internationally renowned wineries. Take a tour through their historic cellars and enjoy a tasting of their signature wines.

Dinner: Enjoy a final dinner in Santiago at Año Cero, an elegant wine-focused restaurant with an extensive Chilean wine list.

Day 9: Wine & Nature Tour in Argentina’s Patagonia

Morning: Fly to Neuquén (Patagonia): Take a flight to the Neuquén Province in Patagonia, known for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Merlot. Start with a visit to Bodega Patritti, a family-owned winery that produces wines from high-altitude vineyards.

Afternoon: Visit Bodega Humberto Canale, one of the oldest wineries in Patagonia, known for its Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Evening: Stay at a vineyard hotel and enjoy a Patagonian-inspired dinner paired with local wines.

Day 10-12: Mendoza or Santiago Extension (Optional)

If time allows, extend your stay in Mendoza or Santiago to explore further. In Mendoza, you could visit wineries like Bodega Norton or Bodega Chandon. In Santiago, take day trips to San Antonio Valley (known for Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah) or Elqui Valley, a high-altitude region producing excellent Pisco and Syrah.